I mention sigs alot in them, but signatures are just smaller versions of a large complex piece ( charters, for example, can usually be turned into signatures ).
Tip #1: Remember to plan out your sigs BEFORE you begin working on them. Envision in your head what look and style you would like your sig to turn out like. If you just grab a picture and - wing it - you will usually end up disappointed in the result.
Tip #2 Remember that contrast is a very appealing and desired artistic trait. For example,
Contrasting things like, Large Font vs Small Font. Bright Wondrous colors vs Dull Dreary colors. Faded blurry fonts vs Bright and shining Fonts. This sig here is a perfect depiction of how contrast makes things stand out to the eye.
Tip #3 Use these:
http://planetrenders.net/renders/thumbnails.php?album=1These are called C4D's. Adding these to a signature can give a breath-taking 3D look unachievable by any other method. I usually add one of these to atleast 1 out of 4 sigs that I make. Adding them, then erasing bits and pieces is EXACTLY how I got the look in some of my previous signatures. Its an awesome little -short cut- to creating a masterpiece. Many people will say - That sig is so easy to make -
But they are stupid ... If you can make something look amazing using an easy method vs the people who use a hard, lengthy approach and STILL don't sell their work, who is smarter?
Tip #4 Listen to the signature REQUESTER. Many times I've made sigs to appeal to myself. I get done and think-
This looks so cool, I KNOW He will buy it. Then, the sig requester chooses some other trash work by someone less experienced because THEY LISTENED to his needs. I've learned that its no always the best work that wins ... Its the one who best fits their needs.
Tip #5 Making great signatures or any artwork for that matter almost ALWAYS starts with a great photograph. They can be called renders, stock, images, pics ... w/e ... If some one wants a Mario / cartoon / anime sig, I will never attempt it because those will almost always be very low-quality images that will not look good when edited / blended. Ive compiled over 2,000 images on my computer that I found while googling random images. i only choose rare, fine, exotic pictures to use in my work. It helps the end result.
There are my 5 tips. The most helpful instruct guide Ive ever used is this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpEwJzsFJ_g . It costs like $100 but I downloaded it illegally and it really is excellent if you want to create more than just signatures. Any other questions tho, and feel free to ask!